A 24-hour infrared scan of the north wall of the burial chamber of Tutankhamun's tomb indicates there truly may be at least one hidden chamber, officials announced today.
The long-awaited announcement could herald the biggest archaeological discovery since Tut's tomb was discovered ... ironically on 4th November 1922 ... the same calendar day that the test equipment was installed for yesterday's analysis.
"The preliminary analysis indicates the presence of an area different in its temperature than the other parts of the northern wall," said Antiquities Minister Mamdouh Eldamaty (shown holding infrared scanner).
"In order to certify the results," Eldamaty added, "a number of experiments will be carried out to determine more accurately the area marking the difference in temperature. A study of the acquired results will be analyzed as well."
Eldamaty further added that a longer time is needed (one week or more) using the thermography technique in order to confirm the results.
Possibility of using other methods is being studied in the mean time to help identify the area different in temperature.
He suggests that the tomb may have been built for Nefertiti, but was hastily rededicated to Tut when he died unexpectedly.
Reeves and other archaeologists will undertake non-invasive radar examination of the tombs later this month to determine if its walls hide secret chambers.
Reeves bases his theory on digital photographs of the walls which suggest hidden doorways. He also says the fact that the famous golden mask of Tutankhamun has pierced ears for earrings indicates it was designed for a queen.
German conservator Christian Eckmann is examining the mask for evidence which might support Reeves' theory.
Eckmann was flown in from Germany to head a team of conservators at the Cairo Museum.
They are attempting to restore and repair the golden mask of Tutankhamun.
The repairs were necessary after museum staff accidentally broke off the mask's beard and re-attached it with epoxy glue in a BOTCHED REPAIR JOB a year ago.
It was on 4 November 1922 that Howard Carter discovered the tomb in the Valley of the Kings.
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